Objectives:

The FER has the following objectives:

To collect, process, and exchange statistical data, legal documents, academic research and theoretical analyses of importance for the study of the nation-building process, nationalism, the status of national, religious, cultural and other minorities and refugee issues in the FRY and elsewhere in Europe, with the goal of improving ethnic relations, preventing ethnic conflicts, building confidence and resolving conflicts.
To produce academic research and theoretical studies on the problems of state-building, ethno-nationalism, ethnic relations, minorities and conflicts.
To provide grants for young researchers to develop their knowledge and skills in this field.
To provide appropriate education and training for young social and political leaders.
To make the general public more aware of problems of ethnic relations through public debates, round tables and publishing activities.

To initiate and encourage international cooperation in academic research and establish links with similar organizations in other countries.
To develop specialized services to provide assistance to institutions involved in problems of ethnic relations and minority protection.